Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Alexander dies in Babylon. The Greek inheritance gives access to the treasures of clas-
sical learning, and the cities of Philadelphia (Amman), Gadara, Pella and Jerash blos-
som under Hellenistic rule.
c 100 BC
Greek generals squabble over who rules which parts of the Trans-Jordan while a tribe
of nomadic Arabs quietly makes money from passing caravans. They establish their
capital at Petra.
30 BC
Herod the Great expands the castle at Mukawir, which will in a few years' time set the
stage for Salome's dance and the beheading of John the Baptist.
9 BC-AD 40
Aretas IV, greatest of the Nabataean kings, presides over a city of wealth and beauty.
The hidden cluster of tombs, temples and houses is adapted from Greek and Roman ar-
chitecture.
AD 26
Jesus Christ is baptised in Bethany-Beyond-the-Jordan by John the Baptist. The first
church is built soon after at Rihab, 40km from Amman, protecting Jesus' disciples
from persecution in Jerusalem.
106
Roman Emperor Trajan absorbs the Nabataean empire into the province of Arabia
Petraea, signalling the end of Petra's heyday.
111-14
The Romans build the Nova Via Taiana, following the path of the ancient King's High-
way between Bosra and the Red Sea, bringing new life to an ancient thoroughfare.
c 200-300
The golden age for Roman Arabia is marked by grand monuments in the cities of the
Decapolis. Emperor Hadrian honours Jerash with a visit en route to Palestine.
 
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